Agri-tourism is rising in popularity as people seek to reconnect with the land and better understand and control their food supply.  The trend holds promise for Georgia farmers wanting to add value to their property and diversify their revenues.

“Agri-tourism and nature-based tourism generated $83 million in Georgia in 2009.  It’s the fastest growing segment in either agriculture or tourism,” said Steve Morgan, Extension Agent for Harris County.  “In Harris County, our farm gate income is about $20 million and 6.7 percent of that is from agri-tourism and nature-based tourism.”

Tapping into Agri-tourism
Agri-tourism can take a variety of forms, from guided deer, quail and turkey hunts to offering

pick-your-own fruits and vegetables to running a pumpkin patch or corn maze to operating a farmers market. Many farmers are attracted to agri-tourism ventures that require little if any new capital investment.

In 2007, Morgan was approached by several local farmers interested in tapping into the potential of agri-tourism.  Working together, they uncovered a few issues that needed to be addressed.

“The agricultural zoning ordinance was very restrictive and didn’t recognize activities associated with agri-tourism as agriculture.  We’re now one step away from building a zoning ordinance around agri-tourism in Harris County,” Morgan explained.

Other issues include addressing community concerns regarding noise, traffic and visitor control.  Neighboring farms are often concerned that visitors may wander onto their property, for example.

“Usually all that’s needed is a conversation with local residents and people overwhelmingly support it,” Morgan said.

Agri-tourism benefits more than just the farmer.  It can create jobs, preserve open farmland and local sources of food and it enables people to experience agriculture firsthand.  Agri-tourism can also help preserve quality of life in rural communities.

“We need people to realize what agri-tourism is; it’s relatively new to Georgia. I think it’s very positive that our new Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black has stepped up and listened, learned and discussed agri-tourism and put it on the forefront,” Morgan continued.

Agri-tourism in Georgia today
Cagle’s Dairy in Cherokee County, which has closed, was a pioneer in Georgia agri-tourism.  Major agri-tourism operations in Georgia today are Lane Southern Orchards in Ft. Valley, Rock Ranch south of Atlanta, Jaemor Farms in North Georgia and Southern Belle Farm in McDonough.  In the local area around Harris County, Morgan counts the Cotton Pickin’ Fair, Oakhurst Enterprises, Meadow Gate Farm, Cannan Farm and Callaway Gardens among the major agri-tourism and nature-based tourism attractions.

The Georgia Department of Agriculture has initiated an agri-tourism program that uses road signs similar to attraction signs on highways to market agri-tourism destinations in the state.  The goal is to promote the agriculture industry and tourism throughout the state – providing opportunities for visitors to enjoy Georgia’s resources and creating a boost for the state economy.

For more information on the agri-tourism sign program, contact the marketing division of the Georgia Department of Agriculture at (404) 656-3740 or by email at  agritourism@agr.georgia.gov.

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